They went to the same church, and were in the same youth group so they didn’t really ‘meet’.
All along she knew who he was, but until right before they started dating she had no interest in a relationship with him. 🙂

One night after volleyball, a group of kids went to Steak ‘n Shake and they started talking.
She remembers thinking “Wow he is so nice and so easy to talk to!”
Apparently he thought the same thing, because after that they made a point of talking and hanging out every time they saw each other. 😉

They dated for two years before getting engaged on a family vacation to Florida.
He took her out to a nice restaurant, and afterwards asked her to join him on a walk along the beach.
She said, “It was sooo sweet, and I was sooooo surprised. And even though he didn’t know it, I had secretly always wanted it to happen like that.”

I’d say he has the romantic thing down-pat.

Marcus and Gina were married this summer, and their wedding was nothing short of perfection.

Moments after the first look!

After their first look, we took a few minutes for photos of the two of them on her parents farm.

She was a beautiful, radiant bride!!

Glittery silver flats? Yes, please! 🙂

These are Gina’s two sisters. Both are  incredibly creative (I’m talking like walking/talking pinterests), and both just as sweet and beautiful as Gina.

And after we were finished with the bridal party, we drove out to town for more photos of the two of them.
Of course I loved this!

Gorgeous, girl!

LOVE!

Then it was ceremony time.
The guests were greeted by these adorable little program attendants.

(Their ties and vests were hand-sewn by the grooms very talented mother.)

The reception was at the house of the bride, and was full of fabulous, sparkly details. LOTS and LOTS of them.

The cake was designed by a friend.

Instead of a unity candle they painted a canvas together. So unique and original!!!

The centerpieces, bridal table decor, and most of the flowers
were all done by Gina and her sisters.

All the chairs were re-painted by Gina and her mother.
Oh, and they re-upholstered the bride and grooms chairs with chevron fabric. 🙂

Marcus and Gina, you are two of the sweetest people we’ve ever met.
Your families were both so hospitable and friendly,
and we were SO honored to travel to Illinois to photograph your wedding.

Thank you all, and best wishes as you begin your new life together!
xoxo